First Janaraja Constitution - 1972

Sri Lanka got a dominion type of freedom after 1948. From that up to 1972 Sri Lanka had constitution made by the Soulbery commission. Because of the weaknesses in Soulbery constitution, there was an increased demand for a new constitution at about 1970. With Soulbery constitution Sri Lanka was unable to become an independent republic. There several reasons.

1. Still the Queen of the Britain was the ruler of the country
2. Acceptance of the British Preach Council as Appeal court
3. The Parliament was not completely independent
4. The country was governed with an offered constitution and the parliament was unable to reform it.

Under such conditions the Sri Lanka was still a part of the British. Also Soulbery constitution had weak points that have to be corrected.

1. Presence of non-successful council
2. Absolute authority of the Parliament had been limited
3. Mention on basic rights and government policies were not included

Soulbery constitution was not a will of the Sri Lankan community. Therefore it does not represent the Sri Lankans and there was a necessity of a new constitution. In 1970, the Samagi Peramuna gave a promise at their political campaigns to change the constitution in order to make Sri Lanka an independent republic. Ultimately the Samagi Peramuna got more than two third majority. Dr. Colvin R. De Silva was the minister of constitution. Therefore Dr. Colvin R. De Silva was the president of the constituent assembly. The Soulbery constitution was revoked by the assembly completely. The new constitution was flexible and could be changed by the National Government Council. Some important new features can be seen.

1. It was stated that Sri Lanka was an independent country
2. Introduction of president to the country
3. Establishment of national government council
4. Introduction of a supreme court and appeal court
5. Introduction of constitutional court
6. Inclusion of statements on basic rights and freedom
7. Inclusion of a fundamental statements on government policies
8. Establishment of Government counseling board and State Service Discipline Board
9. Establishment of court service counseling board and a Discipline Board
10. Inclusion of National language, National religion, National Song, National Flag etc. to the constitution.

Unlike the British constitution, the new constitution was a documented. It had mild non documented parts and had all the basics existence and function of the government.